Tyler ButlerSecond-seeded South Carolina State shot 61.1% from the field in the first half to build a commanding 54-25 lead over No. 6 seed North Carolina Central at the break, securing an 88-67 victory in the MEAC Men’s Basketball Tournament semifinals at the Norfolk Scope Arena.
Senior Omar Croskey led the charge with a season-high 30 points on 11-of-14 shooting, including 5-of-7 from beyond the arc, while also adding five rebounds for Coach Erik Martin’s squad.
Davion Everett provided a strong contribution off the bench with 16 points, while Colin McKenzie chipped in 14 points.
With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 20-12 recording 20 wins for the first time since the 2002-03. SC State advances to Saturday’s 1 p.m. MEAC Tournament final, where they will face No. 1 seed Norfolk State in championship game, which will be televised live on ESPN2.
